Doubting Disciples

   Jesus was very intentional in the training of His disciples. At the top of the training curriculum was “faith building” in who He was as the Messiah. Jesus’ teachings and miracles certainly gave ample room for faith in this One who also referred to Himself as the very “Son of God.”
And then that fateful night came. It began with a meal in the upper room where Jesus offered His disciples His “true body and blood,” as a prelude to what was coming. This was after Jesus had clearly told these same disciples of His Passion that would include His death (and resurrection)—
   “We are going up to Jerusalem…and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles, who will mock Him and spit on Him, flog Him, and kill Him. Three days later He will rise.”” (Mark 10:33-34).
   Jesus left no room for doubt when it came to the fulfillment of His main mission. Yet when the drama in the Garden of Gethsemane took place -- “everyone deserted Him and fled” (Mark 14:50).
   These disciples hid in fear while their Master was being crucified. Only John made it to the cross (John 19:26a). Lost was their faith in the One who had told theme He would rise again in three days…deep was their doubt!
   Yet Jesus did rise on tha ...